In honor of Independence Day, the explorers headed out on an off-leash adventure in the hills of Westhampton. Yesterday was our chance to have fun on the water kayaking, today was Violet’s and her friend Rowan’s turn for their favorite activity of romping together in the woodlands of Western Massachusetts. Diane leaves on vacation (Rowan goes, too) in a couple of days, so we wanted the two buddies to have one more get-together.
I’ve discovered a great well-worn path that runs along a cool, sparkling
stream just above our farm up in the hill. A quick short drive gets us there in the car. It can, though, be accessed at the bottom end point by walking on the road about a 1/4 mile. I haven’t done it yet, but this would give me another opportunity to practice Violet’s heeling exercises she needs to perfect for working as a therapy dog. We’ll definitely plan on doing that as part of our routine soon… a nice combination to do leash heeling, and off-leash walking in the woods, then leash up again for the walk home. The pathway runs about 3/4 mile – so we’d get 1 1/2 miles in the woods and 1/2 mile total leashed on the paved road. An excellent workout to incorporate in Violet’s day.
Today, it was the stream that captured the attention of this energetic duo. And, who wouldn’t be drawn to the cool, flowing waters of a mountain stream on a hot, humid summer’s day. Violet was in her element – leaping in and out of the water; splashing on Diane and me standing along the bank. Little Rowan, about 4 months old now, got his paws wet – but wasn’t sure about getting completely drenched. He watched on as his companion proceeded to get completely soaked. Violet is such a joyous dog… her doggie smile is huge – her mouth open in a wide, clownish grin… her eyes dancing with excitement. What fun for both canines and humans… Diane and I just stood there watching these two bouncing and leaping around.
We decided to move the pair along… and with a simple command of Let’s Go… out of the water the two sprang – following us up the bank and continuing on the path to the end. We turned and headed back. The pair ran ahead and when they reached the opening to the access to the stream, they stood… waiting to be told whether or not they would be given permission for a second round of dunks. Once given the okay – off they sprang down the bank and into the refreshing cool water. This final dunk left Violet’s light cream hair completely clean again (all mad picked up along the way removed). Giving a mighty shake, up the bank they flew – heaping over the tree limp fallen over the path and sitting once again waiting at attention for the command to head back to the car. I get as much joy out of watching them have such a grand time as they do having it. (URrrrr… my camera setting was off… disappointing images – put you get the point: the human-canine bond at work… HAPPY 4th of JULY… also my eldest daughter and her husband are celebrating their third wedding anniversary today… I love that they chose Independence Day for their wedding day.)
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